MERLIN EPISODE NINE PRODUCTION SCRIPT …leethomson.myzen.co.uk/Merlin/Merlin_1x09_-_Excalibur.pdf · finish mine. MERLIN ... UTHER tenses again. MERLIN EPISODE NINE PRODUCTION SCRIPT

INT. CAMELOT (BURIAL VAULTS) - NIGHT 1. FR.1 1

A dark shadowy vault containing a number of ancient tombs, graced with ornately carved sculptures of their noble occupants. A shadow falls across a black tomb - carved with the outline of a mighty Knight in full armour, a sword lain across his body like a cross. Suddenly, in the darkness we see a woman, it’s NIMUEH...

She stands over the tomb and runs her hands over it, whispering a terrifying spell.

NIMUEHGehyre me, wan cniht, awac!

As she utters the words her eyes burn into the stone casing. Suddenly, a crack rips across the lid.

NIMUEHBeo strangra ond steacra, forbrectha wanne...

The crack grows bigger in the tomb...

NIMUEHUparis; awrec Uther Pendragon!

CRASH! A hand clad in a black gauntlet smashes through the top of the tomb and reaches out towards the witch... A dark smile crosses her face...

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (GREAT HALL) - NIGHT 1. FR.2 2

ARTHUR is knelt on an elaborately decorated woolsack before UTHER. The Prince is dressed in ceremonial robes, MERLIN stands proudly to one side. A STEWARD holds a cushion carrying a coronet and a gold rod. It’s the Prince’s investiture. All around there are DIGNITARIES present, including GAIUS and MORGANA. UTHER speaks quietly but formally to his son as he takes the rod and places it in ARTHUR’s hand...

UTHERDo you solemnly promise and swear to govern the people of this Kingdom and it’s dominions according to the statutes, customs and laws laid down by your noble forebears?

ARTHURI do, Sire.

MERLIN EPISODE NINE PRODUCTION SCRIPT AMENDED 17th JUNE 2008 1.

UTHERDo you promise to exercise mercy and justice in your deeds and judgements?

ARTHURI do, Sire.

UTHERAnd do you swear allegiance to Camelot for now and for as long as you live?

ARTHURI, Arthur Pendragon, do pledge life and limb to your service and to the protection of this kingdom and it’s peoples.

They both smile. UTHER places the crown upon his son’s head, he turns, addressing the room as well as ARTHUR, following the words of the ceremony.

UTHERNow being of age and being the heir apparent, you shall hence-forth become Crown Prince of Camelot.

The CROWD cheer.

MERLIN grins proudly to one side, next to him stands GWEN.

GWEN(in a low voice)

So how does it feel to be servant to the Crown Prince of Camelot?

MERLIN(wry)

Washing his royal socks will be even more of a privilege.

GWEN takes a sideways look at him.

GWENYou’re proud of him really. Even though you complain about him constantly.

MERLINI am not.

GWENYou are. I can see it in your face.

MERLINThose socks are very clean. Of course I’m proud of them.


GWEN laughs as ARTHUR soaks up the adulation.

But the moment is interrupted by the sound of smashing glass. UTHER and ARTHUR turn to see...

A KNIGHT on horseback rides an armoured steed at full tilt through the giant windows at the far end of the Great Hall.

Glass showers over the assembled GUESTS as they scramble out of the way. His face is masked beneath his visor. His armouris an ominous black. He advances slowly, inexorably toward UTHER...

UTHERWhat in the Devil’s name...?

Panicked GUESTS get out of the way as the horseman continues his relentless path toward the King...The Knights put their hands to their swords in expectation of trouble.

The BLACK KNIGHT stops before UTHER and ARTHUR and throws down a huge metal gauntlet. A stunned UTHER stares at it...

ARTHUR reacts, goes to pick up the gauntlet but before he reaches it, a young knight, SIR OWAIN, swoops and plucks the glove from the ground and holds it proudly aloft.

OWAINI, Sir Owain, accept your challenge.

A beat. The BLACK KNIGHT continues to focus on UTHER and ARTHUR, his expression is inhuman, unblinking, finally he turns toward SIR OWAIN.

BLACK KNIGHTSingle combat. Noon tomorrow. To the death.

UTHER’s white as a sheet, fixated by the crest on the KNIGHT’s helmet. GAIUS too stares intently at the KNIGHT, a flicker of recognition in his eyes.

TITLES

INT. GAIUS’ CHAMBERS - NIGHT 1. UK.3 3

GAIUS is preparing some routine remedies at his workbench. MERLIN watches, but his thoughts are still consumed by the evening’s events.

MERLINHave you ever seen this Black Knight before?

GAIUS stops his work for a moment.


GAIUSI don’t believe so.

MERLINYou didn’t recognise his crest?

GAIUS busies himself with his work again.

GAIUS(evasive)

His crest?

MERLINWhich house is it?

GAIUSI’m not sure. I didn’t see it that clearly.

MERLINHe’s not someone you’d forget in a hurry though.

GAIUS(busying himself)

No.

MERLINSo you don’t think he’s from round here?

GAIUSThat would seem likely.

MERLINBut then what’s he doing here?

GAIUS turns to face him.

GAIUSMerlin, your faith in my all-seeing knowledge is both touching and wholly misplaced. Maybe if you’ve finished your work for the day you could go to bed and leave me to finish mine.

MERLINOkay, I’m going.

He goes to his room. GAIUS continues with his preparations. A second later MERLIN pops out of his room again.

MERLINGaius?


GAIUS(weary)

Merlin.

MERLINDo you think Owain can beat him?

GAIUSWe will find out soon enough.

MERLIN leaves again. GAIUS looks after him, clearly more troubled by the night’s events than he’s letting on.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (MORGANA’S CHAMBERS) / EXT. CAMELOT 4 4(MAIN GATES) - NIGHT 1. UK / FR.

Looking out through the window we see...

The BLACK KNIGHT standing motionless in perfect symmetry outside the gates of Camelot, planted in the ground next to him is a plain black standard.

GWEN (O.S.)What does he want?

She is cautiously standing a few steps back from the window, watching the menacing stranger camped outside the castle.

GWENWhy would he issue such a challenge?

MORGANA is pacing nervously...

MORGANA(perturbed)

And why did Owain of all people pick it up? Owain!

GWENI know.

MORGANAHe’s just a boy.

GWENHe hates anyone saying that.

A guilty reaction on MORGANA’s face. She turns to leave the room.

CUT TO:


INT. KING’S PALACE (ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS) / EXT. CAMELOT (MAIN 5 5GATES) - NIGHT 1. UK / FR.

ARTHUR too stands at the window looking at the BLACK KNIGHT, he looks concerned. There’s a knock at the door. MORGANA enters.

MORGANA You must stop Owain from fighting.

ARTHUR(annoyed - a sense that he also feels some guilt)

It’s his damn fault. He shouldn’t have picked up the gauntlet!

MORGANASo put an end to it.

ARTHURThe challenge has been taken up. The fight cannot be stopped.

MORGANASo fight in his place. Much as it pains me to say it, you’re the man for this job, not him.

ARTHURI can’t!

MORGANAWhy not?

ARTHUROwain picked up the gauntlet, Owain is the one who must fight. That is the Knight’s code. He knew that.

MORGANABut he’s just a boy.

ARTHUR(a heavy sigh)

I know.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (HALL OF RECORDS) - NIGHT 1. UK.6 6

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTH is anxiously examining a book of heraldry. He sees GAIUS enter.

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHGaius! Thank God.


GAIUSYou know why I’m here?

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHThe Black Knight.

GAIUSSo it is he?

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHYou saw his crest.

GAIUSHave you confirmed it?

He looks down at the book ...

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHIt is the crest of Tristan de Bois.

GAIUSAnd he’s the only Knight to ever have carried that crest?

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHAccording to the records.

GAIUS sighs, concerned, his fears confirmed. He turns to leave.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (COUNCIL CHAMBERS) - NIGHT 1. UK.7 7

UTHER is alone, he hears a noise at the door and reacts - fearful of what it might be. A moment, he moves toward his sword lying on a table. He rests his hand lightly on it and looks anxiously toward the door...

UTHERYes?

The door opens and in comes GAIUS.

GAIUSI’m sorry to disturb you, Sire.

UTHER tries to hide his anxiety.

UTHERWhat is it?

GAIUSThe Knight, the stranger...

UTHER tenses again.


GAIUSHe bears the crest of Tristan de Bois.

UTHER(quietly)

Yes.

GAIUS nods.

GAIUSBut he’s been dead for twenty years.

UTHERI know. I killed him.

GAIUSBut how do you explain ...?

UTHER(short)

Dead men do not return. Is that all?

GAIUS bows and leaves. UTHER sits alone in the empty room. Despite his denial, UTHER is a troubled man.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMELOT (MAIN GATES) - DAY 2. FR.8 8

New born sunlight glints on the BLACK KNIGHT’s breastplate. He remains almost cemented to the ground. His standard flaps in the breeze, further underlining his superhuman stillness. He does not appear to have moved all night.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS) - DAY 2. UK.9 9

The slow beat of a distant drum. OWAIN is standing in the centre of the room. In contrast to the Black Knight, he fidgets about as MERLIN helps him on with his armour. In daylight he looks even more of a boy than he did the previous night. ARTHUR tries to focus him.

ARTHUROwain, you’ve never fought in mortal combat before, it’s different... it’s not like the training I’ve given you.


OWAIN(more fixated on adjusting a buckle)

Yeah, I know...

ARTHURListen to me. The problem is we’ve never seen him fight. You have to quickly get the measure of him.

OWAIN(bright, innocent)

But I have the same advantage - he’s never seen me fight.

ARTHUR(unconvinced)

True.

OWAINYou’ve watched me.

ARTHURYes...

OWAINAnd?

ARTHURAnd I know no one braver.

OWAIN smiles at MERLIN. MERLIN throws a glance at ARTHUR. He can sense his concern.

ARTHURRemember, all it takes to kill a man is one well aimed blow.

OWAIN thrusts his sword at an imaginary target. In a few years he will make a good Knight, but he’s still very much a colt, a lightweight.

GWEN enters. OWAIN smiles.

GWENThe Lady Morgana asked me to give you this token.

She holds up a ribbon. OWAIN is slightly overwhelmed, he looks at ARTHUR.

GWENShe wishes you to wear it for luck.

OWAINYou can thank her and tell her I shall wear it with pride, but...


(MORE)

(he turns to Arthur)I won’t need luck.

We sense ARTHUR’s gut churning feeling of responsibility.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMELOT (TOURNAMENT GROUND) - DAY 2. FR.10 10

A DRUMMER pounding a slow rhythm. A large CROWD waiting expectantly for the fight, dispersed amongst them are UTHER, GAIUS and MORGANA. The BLACK KNIGHT stands in the centre in his customary static pose. As UTHER enters the tournament ground and takes his seat, the KNIGHT turns to face him straight on. UTHER stares back at the KNIGHT. He looks deeply troubled.

MERLIN and GWEN hurry to join the onlookers.

Finally, SIR OWAIN strides out from the palace with ARTHUR at his side. For the first time, the young man’s nerves are apparent. He walks toward the waiting BLACK KNIGHT.

ARTHURFind the flow of the fight and try to control it.

OWAIN nods, now barely able to speak. He stops a sword distance from his foe. The DRUMMER’s beat quickens and intensifies echoing OWAIN’s heartbeat.

ARTHUR(to both fighters)

The fight shall be to the Knights’ rules... And to the death.

He looks at OWAIN.

OWAIN puts on his helmet then lifts his sword, the BLACK KNIGHT reciprocates. As they face each other, for the first time, we appreciate the difference in scale between the two men. It’s David and Goliath.

ARTHURLet battle commence.

ARTHUR leaves the ground to take his seat by UTHER, he watches the fight intensely throughout.

OWAIN doesn’t hesitate, he lunges at the BLACK KNIGHT. In one swift and easy move, the BLACK KNIGHT side steps and parries, forcing OWAIN to look slightly ridiculous.

OWAIN readjusts himself and lunges again. The BLACK KNIGHT once more foils him with a deft move.


OWAIN (cont'd)

ARTHUR’s concern intensifies - the BLACK KNIGHT is clearly an accomplished swordsman. UTHER too looks concerned.

The two fighters circle each other, suddenly the BLACK KNIGHT unleashes a series of blows. His style is unhurried, precise, clinical, devoid of emotion. All OWAIN can do is block and parry, he’s forced backward across the square unable to find a riposte...

GWENCome on, Owain!

ARTHUR(bellowing)

One well aimed blow!

MERLIN watches on fearfully, impotent to help.

The fight accelerates, blows rain down on young OWAIN. The BLACK KNIGHT is an awesome fighting machine, relentless, unstoppable...

MERLIN’s eyes tighten...

Suddenly we’re in MERLIN time: In slow motion we see OWAIN manage to unleash a single strike that pierces the BLACK KNIGHT’s breastplate...

MERLIN reacts with joy.

MERLINYes!

GAIUS gives him a puzzled glance...

UTHER stands up - did he see the blow too? The fight continues at normal speed again, the BLACK KNIGHT shows no sign of injury. Instead, he reacts with a flurry of frenzied blows. As the final stroke lands, the CROWD react with audible horror... UTHER sits down in horrified realisation that OWAIN is dead.

The drum stops. A silence. We see the ribbon, Owain’s good luck token, lying in the dirt, it flutters on the breeze...

The CROWD is silent. ARTHUR hangs his head. MORGANA has tears in her eyes.

The BLACK KNIGHT steps over OWAIN’s body and throws down his gauntlet again - it lands before the King.

BLACK KNIGHTWho will take up my challenge?

ARTHUR makes to step forward but UTHER grabs him by the arm. ARTHUR flashes his father a quick look, and pulls himself from UTHER’s grip...


But as he turns back to the gauntlet, SIR PELLINOR steps forward and swipes it from the ground.

SIR PELLINORI, Sir Pellinor, take up the challenge.

BLACK KNIGHTSingle combat. Dawn tomorrow.

The BLACK KNIGHT stares at UTHER...

ARTHUR spins round to UTHER. UTHER brushes him aside and turns away.

The BLACK KNIGHT starts to walk back toward the gates...

MERLIN watches him, then glances at GAIUS.

MERLINShould we tend to his wounds?

GAIUS looks at him, confused.

MERLINHe took a hit.

GAIUSOwain didn’t land a blow.

MERLINI saw it. It pierced his breast plate.

GAIUSAre you sure?

MERLIN(nods)

My eyes are quicker than yours.

They look at the Knight - He is walking purposefully with no hint of pain or impairment.

MERLINHe should be dead.

GAIUS looks concerned.

GAIUSMaybe he already is.

CUT TO:


INT. KING’S PALACE (COUNCIL CHAMBERS) - DAY 2. UK.11 11

ARTHUR angrily pursues UTHER as he enters the council chambers.

ARTHURWhy did you stop me?

UTHERWe have to give our Knights the chance to prove themselves.

ARTHURHave you seen how this stranger fights?!

UTHERAnd Sir Pellinor will be a match for him.

ARTHURHe’s still not recovered from the wounds he suffered at Ethandun.

UTHERI cannot help that.

ARTHUR(incredulous)

So you send him to his death?

UTHER(angry, turning on Arthur - with finality)

I didn’t send him anywhere. I am not to blame.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (STAIRS TO BURIAL VAULTS)-NIGHT 2. FR.12 12

Darkness. A door opens and two figures appear silhouetted against the light outside. In the half light we can see some stone steps descending toward us...

MERLINAre you sure we should be doing this?

GAIUSYou’re not scared, are you?

MERLINNo, I love old crypts.

(a beat)I wouldn’t be seen dead anywhere else.


Suddenly, the door they came through slams closed and the room is thrown into darkness.

MERLINWhat was that?

GAIUSMust’ve been a gust of wind.

A beat. They can’t see and are unable to move.

GAIUSWe should’ve brought a torch.

MERLIN casts a spell...

MERLINLeohtbora.

....a flame flares - a flambeau on the wall lights itself. MERLIN takes it off the wall.

GAIUSHandy!

MERLINYes.

GAIUSExcept it means you’ll have to go first.

MERLIN frowns, then reluctantly takes the lead.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (BURIAL VAULTS) - NIGHT 2. FR. 13 13

MERLIN and GAIUS are now in the vault itself. We recognise it from our opening. MERLIN sees various tombs ahead of him...

MERLINWhat are we looking for?

GAIUSMove your light to the left.

MERLIN does as he’s told. The flickering torchlight creates all kinds of strange unnerving shadows.

GAIUSThere.

MERLIN shines the torchlight on the black tomb.

They move toward it.


MERLIN(uneasy)

We’re breaking into someone’s grave.

As GAIUS reaches the tomb he stops

GAIUSWe’re too late... I think someone has already broken out.

We see the top of the tomb has been smashed open with great force. Debris is lying across the floor...

GAIUS bends down to peer inside, the inside of the tomb is empty.

CUT TO:


GAIUS and MERLIN return. GAIUS hurries to the shelves and removes a book ...

GAIUSTristan de Bois was the brother of Ygraine. Uther’s wife.

MERLINArthur’s mother?

GAIUS nods.

GAIUSYgraine died in childbirth and he blamed Uther for her death. He came to the gates of Camelot and challenged him.

MERLIN(realising)

To single combat?

GAIUS(nodding)

And Uther won. With his last breath Tristan cursed Camelot to one day suffer his return...

MERLIN looks at him.

GAIUSI thought it was just the ramblings of a dying man...


MERLINMen don’t just rise up from the dead though, no matter how angry they are.

GAIUS(consulting a book)

My guess is we’re dealing with a wraith.

MERLINA wraith?

GAUISThe spirit of a dead man conjured from the grave.

MERLINSo this is the work of a sorceror?

GAIUSPowerful magic can harness the grief and rage of a tormented soul and make it live again.

MERLINHow do we stop it?

GAIUS(he looks up - a grim expression on his face)

We can’t. Because it is no longer alive, no mortal weapon can kill it.

MERLINSurely there must be something...

GAIUS(shaking his head)

Nothing can stop it until it has achieved what it came for.

MERLINAnd what’s that?

GAIUSRevenge.

MERLINOn Camelot?

GAIUS gives a slight nod.

MERLINWhat does that mean for Sir Pellinor?


GAIUSI’m afraid it doesn’t look good.

CUT TO:


The sound of the drum, beating its slow, ominous rhythm. The BLACK KNIGHT stands in the centre of the tournament ground in readiness for battle. His darkness is even more striking now that he’s silhouetted against the sun. He stares at UTHER...

UTHER is determined to hold his gaze.

The eager CROWD has a nervous atmosphere. They cheer as SIR PELLINOR and ARTHUR enter the arena.

The pair stop, ARTHUR focuses on SIR PELLINOR to give him his last instructions...

ARTHURYou’ve seen him fight.

SIR PELLINOR(looking at the Black Knight)

He’s good.

ARTHUR(forcing Sir Pellinor to look at him)

Not as good as you. Are you listening to me?

SIR PELLINOR nods.

ARTHURSee the sun is low in the sky.

SIR PELLINOR glances toward the sun...

ARTHURKeep it behind you.

He holds up his hand (in arm wrestling position). SIR PELLINOR reciprocates and clasps his hand.

SIR PELLINORFor the love of Camelot.

ARTHURFor the love of Camelot.

CUT TO:


SIR PELLINOR and the BLACK KNIGHT exchange sword blows. SIR PELLINOR is an experienced fighter, he gives as good as he gets. He pushes the BLACK KNIGHT back with a series of lunges...

The CROWD cheer for their hero. Amongst them we see UTHER, ARTHUR, MORGANA and GWEN. Standing to one side, viewing the fight from a different angle, we find MERLIN and GAIUS.

MERLINMaybe you were wrong.

GAIUSI hope so.

The BLACK KNIGHT parries everything SIR PELLINOR throws at him, until finally SIR PELLINOR lands a blow which knocks the black knight’s sword to the ground.

The BLACK KNIGHT is momentarily defenseless as PELLINORthrusts his sword into his chest with what looks like a fatal blow - the crowd gasp and cheer as they see SIR PELLINOR’ssword penetrate the BLACK KNIGHT’s armour.

SIR PELLINOR steps back, triumphant. But the BLACK KNIGHT doesn’t flinch. He retrieves his sword and responds with a series of crashing blows, that SIR PELLINOR struggles to block. The BLACK KNIGHT is unstoppable, a killing machine. He lands a fatal strike that coincides with a drum beat...

We cut away to UTHER’s face, appalled by what he’s witnessed... The crowd look shocked. We go to GWEN and MORGANA.

GWENThe sword went in - I’m sure of it.

MORGANA(worried)

I saw it too.

The BLACK KNIGHT turns toward the King, starts to remove his gauntlet, but before he can throw it down ...

A gauntlet hits the ground at his feet. The BLACK KNIGHT looks up to see where it’s come from. He finds ARTHUR looking at him ...

ARTHURI will not see anymore of my men die.

(a beat)I, Arthur Pendragon, take up the challenge.

A murmur amongst the CROWD.


BLACK KNIGHTSo be it.

ARTHUR(calling the shots)

Single combat. Noon tomorrow.

GAIUS catches UTHER’s eye. He is white-faced with shock.

CUT TO:


ARTHUR, a determined look on his face, stands in front of UTHER.

UTHERHow could you be so stupid? I will revoke the challenge.

ARTHURNo.

(turning on his father)The Knights’ code must be upheld. That’s what you told me.

UTHERThis is different.

ARTHUROnce a challenge is laid you cannot rescind it.

UTHERYou are the Crown Prince.

ARTHURThere cannot be one rule for me and one for all the rest.

UTHERI forbid you to fight

ARTHUR turns to face his father.

ARTHURYou want me to prove myself worthy of the throne. I cannot do that by being a coward.

UTHERNo, Arthur, this will be your death!


ARTHUR(he walks to the door)

I’m sorry you have so little faith in me, father.

UTHERArthur!

ARTHUR keeps walking. UTHER hangs his head in despair.

CUT TO:

INT. GAIUS’ CHAMBERS - DAY 3. UK.17 17

MERLIN and GAIUS discuss what to do.

MERLINYou were right.

GAIUSI wish I wasn’t.

MERLINIf Arthur fights that thing, he’ll die.

GAIUSHe is Camelot’s greatest warrior. If anyone can defeat it, he can.

MERLINBut you said yourself, no mortal weapon can kill it. Which means we have to find a way to defeat the wraith ourselves.

GAIUSHow do you propose to do that?

He runs up the stairs to his room...

MERLINIf no mortal sword will kill it...

He disappears into him room and comes back with his magic book.

MERLINThen I will have to. With mortal magic.

GAIUSMerlin, it’s too dangerous...

MERLINWe don’t have any choice.


GAIUS watches him turning the pages and quietly leaves the room.

CUT TO:


A troubled UTHER is pacing the room when GAIUS enters. UTHER stops and stares at him in trepidation, anticipating bad news.

GAIUSGood evening, Sire.

UTHERGaius.

GAIUSThere is something of great urgency I must discuss with you.

UTHERThen spit it out, man.

GAIUSTristan’s tomb is empty.

UTHER face ices over.

GAIUSI believe he has been conjured from the dead.

UTHER is quiet for a moment, then resumes his pacing, his mind whirring.

UTHERHow is this possible?

GAIUSI believe he is a wraith.

UTHERA spirit?

GAIUS(nods)

He has come to take vengeance for Ygraine’s death.

UTHER(guilty)

It was magic that killed her. Not I.


GAIUS(gently)

Nevertheless it was you he blamed.

GAIUS hesitates. He knows he must tread carefully.

GAIUSYou cannot allow Arthur to fight. No weapon forged by man can kill a wraith. It will stop at nothing until it has accomplished what it came for. Arthur cannot win, he will die.

UTHERHe will not listen to me.

GAIUSThen you must tell him who the knight is...

UTHERNo.

GAIUSYou cannot hide the truth forever.

UTHER(angered)

I am the King! You will not bid me what to do!

GAIUS(calm)

That is your choice, sire; you tell him or let him go to his death.

UTHER(threatening)

No one but you and I will ever know that secret.

GAIUSThe boy is of age, he should know.

UTHERNever.

(he draws a dagger)You made an oath, and I warn you not to break it.

They two men stand face to face for a moment. GAIUS is first to drop.

GAIUSVery well, sire.


UTHERLeave me.

GAIUS leaves the room. UTHER is clearly shaken by what he’s just heard.

CUT TO:

INT. CAMELOT (MAIN GATES) - NIGHT 3. FR.19 19

The dead of night. The BLACK KNIGHT stands impassive, framed against the towers of Camelot.

MERLIN emerges from the shadows. Keeping to the shadow of the wall he slips along until the KNIGHT is in sight. The BLACK KNIGHT remains impassive, apparently oblivious to MERLIN’s presence.

MERLIN holds his hand out in front of himself and starts to incant a spell.

MERLINCume her fyrbryne.

MERLIN’s eyes flash and a flame appears from nowhere. The fire races across the ground, encircles the knight and engulfs him in a ball of flames.

MERLIN waits, it looks like his magic has worked. But when the flames die down the BLACK KNIGHT is still standing, completely impassive.

MERLIN stares at him in complete astonishment.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS) - NIGHT 3. UK.20 20

ARTHUR is preparing for the fight, rehearsing moves with his sword in slow motion, replaying and adjusting the angle of his wrist or the arc of each swing. He’s a coiled spring, as anxious as we’ve seen him. MERLIN comes rushing in, frantic.

ARTHURMerlin... you know that conversation we had about knocking...

MERLINYou have to pull out!

ARTHUR stops what he’s doing and turns to look at him.

ARTHURAnd why’s that, Merlin?


MERLINBecause he’ll kill you.

ARTHURWhy does everybody think that?

MERLINBecause they’re right. Just pull out. You’re the crown prince. No-one wants you to die for some stupid challenge.

ARTHURI am not a coward.

MERLINI know that. I’ve stood there and watched you overcome every fear you’ve ever faced ...

ARTHURIt’s what’s required of me, Merlin.

MERLINBut you are more than that ... you are not merely a warrior, you are a prince. A future king. You have proved your courage, but you must prove your wisdom ...

ARTHURI cannot back down.

MERLIN(urgent)

Please, Arthur, listen to me. This is no ordinary Knight you’re fighting. Look at him - he doesn’t eat, he doesn’t sleep ... He just stands there in total silence. Doesn’t that tell you something?

ARTHURNo one is unbeatable!

MERLIN(looking back at him - desperate)

If you fight him you will die.

ARTHURI cannot listen to this, Merlin.

He throws the door open for MERLIN.

MERLINI’m trying to warn you, Arthur.


ARTHURAnd I’m warning you, Merlin.

He swings his sword. MERLIN darts from the room.

ARTHUR slams the door ...

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (COUNCIL CHAMBERS) - NIGHT 3. UK.21 21

UTHER sits in the empty council chamber, a haunted figure. There’s a rattle at the window, he reacts, looks toward the sound, clearly expecting the wraith to appear at any moment...

He turns back and is shocked to see someone standing in his room: NIMUEH. He stares at her fearfully, as if he’s seen a ghost.

UTHER(realising her involvement)

I should’ve known.

NIMUEH(with sense of relish)

It is more than I had hoped for, Uther. Soon Arthur will be slain. You will have sent him to his death.

UTHERYou conjured this thing. Their deaths are at your hand.

NIMUEHAlways so righteous, never to blame ...

UTHER(angry)

Haven’t you had your fill of revenge?

NIMUEHHaven’t you! You began this war when you threw me from the court and slaughtered all of my kind.

UTHERYou brought it on yourselves with the evil you practised.


NIMUEH(irked)

I was your friend, Uther! You welcomed me here.

UTHERAnd you betrayed that friendship!

NIMUEHI did as you asked! I used the skills you so despise to give your barren wife the son you craved.

UTHERNever speak of her that way! My wife was worth a thousand of you. And you took her from me.

NIMUEHShe died giving birth to your son! It was not my choice. That is the law of magic. To create a life there had to be a death, the balance of the world had to be repaid.

UTHERYou knew it would kill her!

NIMUEHNo, you’re wrong. If I had foreseen her death, and the terrible retribution you would seek... I would never have granted your wish.

UTHERI wish you hadn’t.

NIMUEHYou wish you did not have a son? Well, that wish will come true tomorrow.

UTHERI will not let you take him.

NIMUEHThat is your choice.

(a faint smile)I have watched so many people I love die at your hands, Uther Pendragon. Now it is your turn.

A beat. There’s a rattle at the window and the candles flame and go out. When UTHER turns back, NIMUEH has gone.

CUT TO:


INT. KING’S PALACE (HALL OF RECORDS) - NIGHT 3. UK.22 22

The room is dark. MERLIN is looking through a book, dissatisfied with what he’s found. He begins searching the shelves again, he hears a noise, stops and listens. He waits, he clearly shouldn’t be there. He starts rummaging again...

He knocks a book over, bends to pick it up and sees a pair of feet beside him. His eyes dart upward to see...

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTH glaring at him.

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHHow did you get in here?

MERLINThe door was open.

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHNo, I locked it.

MERLINUh... Someone else must’ve opened it.

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHAnd you thought you’d come in and help yourself.

MERLINI was looking for a book. For Gaius...

GEOFFREY’s tone softens, he looks at the open book, seeing the contents...

MERLINHe thinks the Black Knight is a wraith.

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHThen Arthur’s in grave peril.

MERLINWhich is why I’m here.

(beat)I need to find a weapon that will kill something that’s already dead.

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTH(a beat)

I have read of such things, in the ancient chronicles.

MERLIN leaps up, excited.

MERLINWhat did they say?


GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHSeveral fables speak of ancient swords...

MERLINThat can kill the dead?

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHThe fables speak of swords which can destroy anything - alive or dead.

MERLINCan you show me one of these fables?

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHWell let me think...

He starts to search the shelves.

MERLINI’m sort of in a hurry...

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHYou young people always are.

He continues searching as MERLIN follows his every move.

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHHere we are. The Chronicle of Beltain. Now let me see...

He starts to go through the pages as MERLIN waits impatiently.

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHYes, here we go...

(reading)And Sir Marhaus looked upon the great sword begotten in the dragon’s breath and found it passing good...

MERLINWhat did you say?

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHAnd Sir Marhaus...

MERLINNot about him... The dragon...

GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHThe sword begotten in the dragon’s breath...

He looks up from the book but MERLIN has already disappeared.


GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTHAlways in a hurry.

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN’S HOUSE - NIGHT 3 (UK.)23 23

GWEN is busy with her chores, she hears a knock at the door and sees MERLIN.

GWEN(quickly removing her pinny)

Merlin ... What’re you doing here?

MERLINOh, I’ve come to ask a favour.

GWENYes?

MERLINI don’t know how to ask it.

GWENAsk, Merlin, you know that I would grant you anything ...

MERLIN looks at her - slightly thrown.

GWENI mean not anything

(a beat - backtracking)Obviously, not anything. What is it you want?

MERLINI need a sword, the strongest sword your father’s ever made.

GWENWhat for?

MERLINTo save Arthur. I need you to help me.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS) / EXT. CAMELOT 24 24(MAIN GATES) - NIGHT 3. UK/FR.

ARTHUR stands in the window alone, he stares out at the BLACK KNIGHT. We can sense his doubts...


He hears a noise and quickly turns to the door. He finds MORGANA watching him.

MORGANA(for once showing her true emotions)

I don’t want you to fight tomorrow.

ARTHUR stares at her, surprised by her conviction.

ARTHURWhy not?

MORGANA(feeling some kind of premonition)

I don’t know what it is ... Please - I’m warning you.

ARTHUR(smiling)

You’re worried about me.

MORGANANo. It’s not me. It’s your father. Can’t you see what you’re doing to him?

ARTHUR(doubtful)

My father?

MORGANAObviously. He cares about you.

(betraying her own emotions)

He loves you, Arthur. He doesn’t want to lose you.

ARTHUR(recognising )

And I feel the same. But ... I have to do this.

A moment, they hold each other’s stare. Tears are forming in MORGANA’s eyes.

MORGANAI understand.

She turns and goes. ARTHUR bows his head and sighs.

CUT TO:



GAIUS is preparing for bed. A knock at the door. GAIUS goes to open it. He finds UTHER standing outside.

UTHERAm I still welcome?

GAIUSHave you come to shout at me?

UTHERI’m sorry.

GAIUS leads him inside.

UTHERYou knew that one day, all this would come back to haunt me.

GAIUSNot quite so literally.

UTHERI should’ve listened to you. You told me no good would come of using witchcraft.

GAIUSYou wanted an heir. You thought it was the only way.

UTHERNimueh told me there would be a price.

GAIUSYou were not to know that the price you’d pay was Ygraine’s life.

UTHER winces at the memory.

UTHERI cannot let Arthur die...

GAIUSThen you must stop the fight.

UTHERNo... I will take his place.

GAIUSYou realise what you’re saying?

UTHERYgraine died for him and so must I.


GAIUSUther...

UTHERI have no other choice.

GAIUSThere must be another way.

UTHERNo! My death will stop the wraith and Arthur will live.

(he sets his eyes on Gaius)

It means that you will be the only person left who knows the truth about Arthur’s birth. You must swear to me that you will keep your oath.

GAIUS(a moment - finally relenting)

I will take it to my grave.

UTHERYou always were a good friend, despite my temper.

GAIUSI always thought that would be the death of you.

UTHER(managing a smile)

I must ask you one last favour...

CUT TO:

INT. GWEN’S HOUSE - NIGHT 3. UK26 26

GWEN returns to MERLIN carrying a sword ...

GWENMy father’s been saving this. He’s always said this was the best sword he’s ever made.

She hands it to MERLIN, he examines it.

MERLINIt’s beautiful.

GWEN(slight concern)

He’ll kill me if he finds I’ve taken it.


MERLINIt’s for the love of Camelot.

GWENMmm ... Yes.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (ARMOURY CORRIDOR) - NIGHT 3. FR.27 27

MERLIN hurries through the castle. He carries the sword with him, wrapped and hidden inside a cloth blanket.

INT. KING’S PALACE (UNDERGROUND STAIRS) - NIGHT 3. FR.28 28

MERLIN hurries his way down into the depths of the citadel.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (CAVERN) - NIGHT 3. UK.29 29

MERLIN steps out once more onto the lip of rock overlooking the great cavern.

The GREAT DRAGON raises his eyes ...

GREAT DRAGONMerlin!

MERLIND’you know why I’m here?

GREAT DRAGONIt may surprise you, Merlin, but my knowledge of your life is not universal.

MERLINIt’s to do with Arthur, his life is in danger. He will die unless I can make a weapon that can kill the dead.

GREAT DRAGONSo what do you come to ask of me?

MERLIN bends down on one knee, places the wrapped sword on the ground and unrolls it ...

We see the finished sword for the first time. Even in its raw, un-enchanted state it has a simple beauty.

MERLIN reaches down to pick it up, but it disappears before his eyes ...


Instinctively, he looks down into the cavern and sees the sword hovering in the air before the GREAT DRAGON.

MERLINWill you burnish it to save Arthur?

The GREAT DRAGON considers this ...

GREAT DRAGONThat is your destiny, young warlock, not mine.

MERLINBut if Arthur fights the wraith and dies Camelot will have no heir. I will have no destiny.

The DRAGON considers this.

GREAT DRAGONA weapon forged with my assistance will have great power.

MERLINI know...

GREAT DRAGON(interrupting him)

You do not know. You can only guess. You have not seen what I have seen. If you had perhaps you would not ask this of me.

MERLINWhat do you mean?

GREAT DRAGONIn the wrong hands this sword could do great evil. It must be wielded by Arthur and him alone.

MERLINI understand.

GREAT DRAGONYou must do more than understand. You must promise.

MERLIN nods.

MERLINI promise.

The GREAT DRAGON exhales an almighty blast of fire ... The sword is temporarily lost within the inferno.


When the flames recede we see the shining sword - the light flashes off it, almost blinding MERLIN. He turns his head away ...

And when he looks up again, he sees the sword has been returned to him. It is lying on the cloth blanket. MERLIN is captivated - it has a simple but majestic presence.

GREAT DRAGONHeed my words ...

MERLIN stops and turns to the GREAT DRAGON ...

GREAT DRAGONThe sword was forged for Arthur and him alone.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (CORRIDOR 1) / CAMELOT (MAIN GATES) - 30 30NIGHT 3. FR.

UTHER standing at the window, looking out at...

The ominous unyielding figure of the BLACK KNIGHT standing before the gates of Camelot.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS) - NIGHT 3. FR.31 31

ARTHUR is also standing at his window looking out through the curtains, he’s unable to sleep. He hears GAIUS’s voice outside his door.

GAIUS (O.S.)I’ve brought you something that might help you sleep.

GAIUS enters carrying a small phial.

ARTHURI’m fine. I don’t need it

GAIUS(he removes the cap from the phial)

Here. It’ll relax you, it’ll take the edge off your nerves.

ARTHUR finally concedes and downs the liquid with a grimace.

ARTHURI wouldn’t drink it for pleasure.


GAIUSWhy don’t you sit down for a moment?

ARTHURMind you... if you forget the taste... the effects are...

He plonks himself down on his bed, already succumbing to the sedation...

ARTHURQuite enjoyable.

GAIUSLie back.

ARTHUR rests his head on his pillow.

GAIUSHow’re you feeling?

ARTHURMmm...

GAIUS looks at ARTHUR a moment, waiting for him to drift off. Satisfied that ARTHUR’s asleep, he turns and walks quietly to the door. He gently removes the key from the doorlock....

CUT TO:

GAIUS leaves ARTHUR’s room and locks the door behind him. He walks away along the corridor.

CUT TO:


Dawn. The BLACK KNIGHT stands, watched by a few TOWNSPEOPLE who are setting up for the fight. Amongst them we see the DRUMMER.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (MORGANA’S CHAMBERS) - DAY 4. UK.33 33

MORGANA is at her dressing table. She looks sick, she hasn’t slept. GWEN enters with her breakfast and lays it before her.

MORGANAI’m not hungry.

GWENYou must eat something.


MORGANAI can’t.

We hear the drum beat start, MORGANA looks to the window.

MORGANA(shrugs - lifeless)

If he dies, I fear for the future.

GWENArthur will win. He will live to be King.

MORGANAHow can you be so sure?

GWENMerlin is looking out for him. He won’t let him die.

MORGANA smiles at GWEN’s sweet faith in Merlin but obviously doesn’t share it.

CUT TO:


The drum beats continue while a drugged ARTHUR sleeps, oblivious to the preparations for the fight that are going on outside.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (ARMOURY) - DAY 4. FR.35 35

A windowless room somewhere in the depths of the castle. The slow beat of the familiar drum continues outside as MERLIN readies Arthur's armour and finally unwraps the new sword from its blanket. It shimmers in the early morning light. He holds it in his hand. Suddenly, the door opens and MERLIN turns expecting to see ARTHUR, instead it’s UTHER that enters.

UTHERThat’s a fine blade.

MERLINIt’s for Arthur.

UTHERHe won’t be needing it today.

MERLIN looks confused.

UTHERI will be taking Arthur’s place.


MERLIN(realising that the sword is for Arthur only)

But, Sire...

UTHERPrepare me for battle.

MERLINBut Arthur should be the one...

UTHERNo, the grievance is with me, the fight is mine.

MERLINI do not have your armour.

UTHER points to some armour placed nearby.

UTHERThis will do. It’s likely to make little difference.

MERLIN straps on a breast plate. UTHER seems in a trance - he’s a man on death row, coming to terms with his fate.

MERLINI’ll get you your sword.

UTHERThis one will be fine.

MERLIN looks horrified.

MERLINNo, Sire... You don’t understand... that one was made specifically for Arthur.

UTHER examines it. The sword appears to dazzle almost unnaturally.

UTHERWho made it?

MERLINUh... Tom the Blacksmith.

UTHERIt’s worthy of a King.

MERLINYou’d be better off with a sword you trusted.

UTHER slowly wields the sword...


UTHERIt has an almost perfect balance... Tom is not the Royal Swordsmith. I’m surprised Arthur went to him.

MERLINIt was me.

UTHER looks at him.

MERLIN(he shrugs)

I felt he needed a better sword.

UTHER(surprised - looking at Merlin anew)

You do show him incredible loyalty.

MERLINIt’s my job, Sire.

UTHERBut you go beyond the line duty.

MERLINWell... you could say there is a bond between us.

UTHERI’m glad...

(a beat)Look after him, will you.

He sets off for battle, taking the sword with him.

CUT TO:

EXT. KING’S PALACE (DRAWBRIDGE/TOURNAMENT GROUND) - 36 36DAY 4. FR.

UTHER walks under the drawbridge. The drum beat gets slowly louder as he approaches the tournament ground and the battle of his life.

CUT TO:


UTHER’s P.O.V: The bright light, the noise of a large fight crowd, a multitude of expectant faces and in the centre of the Tournament Ground the BLACK KNIGHT standing motionless and poised for battle...


UTHER steps forward. Shock rumbles through the crowd, including MORGANA and GWEN in the stands and MERLIN and GAIUS at the side of the fighting area.

The DRUMMER holds his monotonous rhythm. UTHER walks calmly through the crowd, but we sense his tension within.

He arrives before the BLACK KNIGHT and stops inches from him, staring into his foe’s visor...

UTHERYou can have what you want - the father, not the son.

The BLACK KNIGHT stiffens and steps back withdrawing his sword. UTHER puts on his helmet. The SPECTATORS watch in hushed silence as UTHER and the BLACK KNIGHT circle one another.

CUT TO:


The drum can be heard outside the window. ARTHUR begins to stir, then grabs his head. The drug has left him with one hell of a hangover!

He manages to stumble to the window. He reacts to what he sees...

CUT TO:


The battle is on. The new sword glints in the light as it hits the Black Knight’s blade for the first time. This is no ordinary sword. UTHER and the BLACK KNIGHT trade blows, two mighty gladiators engaged in ancient warfare as MORGANA, GWEN, MERLIN and GAIUS look on.

CUT TO:


ARTHUR rushes for the door and finds it locked. He kicks at it in vain - what the hell is going on?

CUT TO:


Swirling action as the BLACK KNIGHT slashes ruthlessly at UTHER.


The King responds, parrying and countering with great skill, somehow managing to maintain his regal presence and command the fight... MERLIN watches the action intensely, reacting as the blows strike.

But the BLACK KNIGHT’s assault is unrelenting. Suddenly, the sword is knocked from UTHER’s hand, it clatters across the cobbles. He is defenceless. He reaches for it, but the BLACK KNIGHT slices at his arm, striking a plate on his forearm...

GAIUS and MERLIN react to this turn of events against the KING.

UTHER reacts in pain, the BLACK KNIGHT closes in for the kill. UTHER now has only his shield with which to defend himself...

In vain, he uses it to beat away the BLACK KNIGHT’s blows. It’s desperate heroic stuff...

MORGANA, sat next to GWEN, looks on in horror.

CUT TO:


ARTHUR wedges a spear into the jamb and forces his door open. He runs from the room...

CUT TO:


UTHER continues to desperately defend himself with his battered shield, but the BLACK KNIGHT drives him towards the wooden barriers. UTHER appears doomed.

We discover NIMUEH concealed in the crowd, she smiles anticipating UTHER’s demise.

The BLACK KNIGHT makes a final lunge with all his might, but somehow UTHER steps out of the way. The sword buries itself in UTHER’s shield. UTHER hits the BLACK KNIGHT around the head, the KNIGHT’s helmet flies off to reveal the hideous wraith underneath.

The CROWD’s shock turns to horror...

Before the BLACK KNIGHT can remove his sword, UTHER has regained his weapon.

UTHERDie a second time.


UTHER strikes home with the sword, straight into the KNIGHT’s breastplate. As he pulls the blade back, the wraith’s mouth opens, his final breath hitting UTHER, who stumbles back as the wraith starts to burn and then explodes in a cloud of dust.

On MERLIN’s shocked face. The sword is all the dragon promised.

The CROWD react...

An exhausted UTHER looks down at the wraith's remains - an empty suit of armour...

CUT TO:


GAIUS dressing UTHER’s wounded arm.

UTHER(smiling - still unable to believe his good luck)

I thought you said a wraith couldn’t be killed.

GAIUSYes, it was remarkable ...

He eyes the sword on the nearby table.

GAIUSWas that a new sword?

UTHERBest I’ve ever fought with.

GAIUSMay I have a look?

GAIUS examines the blade, looking at the runes.

UTHERI was interested in those markings.

GAIUSOn one side it says “Take me up”, on the other “Cast me away”

UTHERWhat does that mean?

GAIUSWhere did you get it?


UTHERMerlin gave it me. It was forged for Arthur.

GAIUS reacts, but the conversation is interrupted by ARTHUR’s entrance. The prince doesn’t look happy.

GAIUS(to Uther as her he withdraws from the room)

That should heal pretty quickly. I’ll redress it tomorrow.

UTHERThank you, Gaius. Thank you for everything.

GAIUS smiles and is gone.

ARTHUR(his anger surfacing)

You had Gaius drug me ... I was meant to fight him.

UTHERNo ... You weren’t.

ARTHURThe Knight’s code ...

UTHER(passionate)

Be damned! I believed you would die. I could not take that risk. You are too precious to me. You are worth more to me than anything I know ... more than this entire Kingdom ... more than my own life.

ARTHUR is taken aback, it is the first time he has seen his father like this.

ARTHURI’ve always thought ... well ...

UTHERWhat?

ARTHURThat ... I was a disappointment to you.

UTHERThat is my fault, not yours ... You are my only son.

(a smile)And I would not wish for another.


ARTHUR is unsure how to react.

ARTHURWhat I saw ... You fought pretty well.

UTHERThank you.

ARTHUR(preparing to head off)

You should join us for training sometime. Looked like you needed some help on your footwork.

UTHERI’ll give you some footwork.

(offering to land a kick)

ARTHUR grins and moves swiftly away. UTHER smiles, pleased he’s had this opportunity with his son.

CUT TO:


GAIUS and MERLIN are having supper. GAIUS looks at MERLIN. MERLIN tries to ignore him.

GAIUSYou know why I’m looking at you.

MERLINNo.

GAIUSUther told me you gave him that sword today.

MERLIN says nothing.

GAIUSIt must be a sword of very great power to slay the dead.

(a beat)Did you enchant it?

MERLINNo... I didn’t.

GAIUSWho did then?

MERLIN(he shakes his head)

Wasn’t me.


GAIUS gives him a look.

GAIUSShame, it saved the King’s life, I’d have been proud of you.

MERLINWell ...

GAIUSNever mind.

They share a look, MERLIN smiles.

CUT TO:

INT. GAIUS’ CHAMBERS (MERLIN’S ROOM) - NIGHT 4. UK.46 46

MERLIN is asleep. The room rumbles with the sound of the GREAT DRAGON’s voice...

GREAT DRAGON (V.O.)(a hint of indignation in his tone)

Merlin! Merlin!

MERLIN wakes and listens... he knows he’s in trouble. He swings his legs out of bed and thinks for a moment, what is he going to say?

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (UNDERGROUND TUNNEL) - NIGHT 4. FR. 47 47

MERLIN returns the well worn route to the GREAT DRAGON, a sense of dread.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (CAVERN) - NIGHT 4. UK.48 48

He reaches the stone orifice and sees the GREAT DRAGON’s face loom toward it. The GREAT DRAGON stares at him...

GREAT DRAGON(seething)

You have no idea what you have done.

MERLIN(nervous)

I’m sorry. Uther just took the sword...


GREAT DRAGONYou have betrayed me.

MERLINHe’s the King. I couldn’t stop him.

GREAT DRAGONYou counted the promise you made to me for nothing. That is something you will regret.

MERLINI couldn’t let him die...

GREAT DRAGONYou could. But yet you did not. And now he has the sword you begged from me.

MERLINI’ll get it back...

GREAT DRAGONThe sword is in the world. It cannot be unmade. But now a curse will forever lie upon it.

MERLINWhat do you mean?

GREAT DRAGONThe sword forged by Arthur is now destined to be used against him. It will bring about his doom.

MERLINWhat do you mean? Is Arthur going to die?

GREAT DRAGONEverything dies, warlock, it is only the manner of death that is in question. Your actions have made that choice for Arthur. What’s done cannot be undone.

The GREAT DRAGON turns and is gone. A worried MERLIN stands there a moment, taking in what he’s heard.

CUT TO:

INT. KING’S PALACE (ARMOURY) - DAY 5. FR.49 49

MERLIN stares at the blade, shining in the early morning light. He takes it from it’s rack and wraps it in a bundle.

CUT TO:


EXT. CAMELOT (DRAWBRIDGE) - DAY 5. FR.50 50

Dawn. MERLIN leaves Camelot. He’s carrying a cloth bundle.

CUT TO:

EXT. LAKE - DAY 5. UK.51 51

The calm water of a vast lake.

MERLIN takes out the sword, he takes one last look, then throws it into the lake...

The swords hilt slowly sinks to the depths...

END OF EPISODE.


MERLIN EPISODE NINE PRODUCTION SCRIPT …leethomson.myzen.co.uk/Merlin/Merlin_1x09_-_Excalibur.pdf · finish mine. MERLIN ... UTHER tenses again. MERLIN EPISODE NINE PRODUCTION SCRIPT

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